View Blaine and Pamela's Hei Manawa collection: the ultimate in Haute Silver Jewellery

Blaine and Pamela are authorised by Te Waka Toi, the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand to use the prestigious Toi Iho Co-Production mark and Blaine is also authorised to use Maori Made on his own. The mark is for use by Maori artists on works they produce for sale.

Blaine says of himself
I am of Ngati Kahungunu, Ngapuhi and Ngati Wairoa iwi (tribal) heritage. Because of my parent's encouragement I was inspired to develop a keen interest in tikanga (knowledge of) Maori. Since my teens, I have been actively involved in the visual and performing arts. At 16 years of age, fortune came my way, when I undertook formal training under a tohunga (expert) of Kahungunu and Tuwharetoa descent, Hohepa Tamihana Hapi.
I have completed many art works for both private and public sectors, an important one being the America's Cup Village in 2001. An opportunity to present designs for Pelaski, using modern materials without compromising the mauri (ethos) of the art forms, is an exciting one, not for myself alone, but for Maori art in general. I consider it my responsibility to perpetuate the mana, wehi, tapu and ihi within these inherited arts. In respect of the Atua (Supreme Creator), "I strive for perfection, never to attain it."

Pamela Skittrup, of Pelaski, is a fourth generation New Zealander who left her country in the 1960s to expand her horizons abroad. In England and Europe, she dealt in antiques, objects d'art and jewellery, which she designed for a wide range of clients throughout the world. Pamela married into India and established a base for her Pelaski jewellery collections in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The superbly crafted designs, reflect the influence of her surroundings, be it Europe, Asia or N.Z.

Working with Blaine TeRito, Pamela was able to translate his woodcarvings into spectacular silver jewellery without compromising the mauri (ethos) of the art form. The Hei Manawa Collection was launched at Te Papa Store's Showcase in February, 2006 under the auspices of the Toi Iho registration.